It's the most hyped device of the moment, a device that nobody has laid eyes on without an NDA death-grip. While rumour and speculation escalate (sometimes giving way to apathy), little has leaked out of Cupertino. But nobody seems to be asking whether this tablet thing will be successful or not.

The main issue, being that its Apple, is how much lockin and how much DRM. Are you, for instance, restricted to what apps you can load, to where you can buy content and using what software? Is the material itself when you get it, smothered in DRM to stop you transferring it to any other devices?

If it follows the usual pattern, what you'd see would be locked down purchasing of apps or media from a store, proprietary formats, no way of upgrading or replacing batteries (at least without voiding warranty), and this will be a device which we should do our level best to keep out of education.

If on the other hand the Leopard has changed his spots, that will be a different issue. Don't hold your breath.